Remove anti-glare coating from LG 29UM68 monitor

In this how-to we removed the anti-glare coating from an LG Ultrawide 21:9 monitor. The anti-glare coating is also known as matte finish. Most monitors are available with a matte finish. Examples of glossy monitor are for example the Apple iMac. Glossy monitors are quite rare these days. Matte finish helps to remove reflection from the environment. Especially in a very lit room or office near to a window can be reflected by your screen. The downside of matte finish is the reduction in clarity, contrast and colour vibrancy compared to glossy finish. Also there might be a slight reduction in sharpness. In our case we do have fully control over the lightning in our room, also our monitor is not placed near a window. Therefore we actually prefer the glossy finish for a better quality picture.

To increase our productivity we favor ultrawide 21:9 monitors. Our working setups mostly consist of a laptop (upgraded with SSD and HDDCaddy) connected to an external monitor. However in Europe, an ultrawide 21:9 monitor with a glossy finish is almost non-existent. Unfortunately we haven’t been successful in our search so far. So we decide to purchase an ultrawide LG 29UM68 21:9 monitor with a matte finish and remove the matte coating from this monitor.

Please note: obviously with removing the AG coating from your monitor, you will lose your warranty of the product.

Before we started we should consider several risks:
– opening the casing might be difficult because the monitor is hold with clips that can only be removed with applying some force. Get tools ready like spudger or case opener.
– water can cause damage to electronics when the electronics is connected to the power supply. Make sure the monitor is not wet when connecting to the power supply.
– the AG coating is also a protective coating, once the AG film is removed you are left with only the polarized filter which is very sensitive for scratches and smudge. Work carefully.
– because the screen without AG film is very sensitive for scratches, re-assembly might be more difficult since you cannot lay down the monitor. Perhaps an extra pair of hands would be nice.

2. The matte finish LG 29UM68 21:9 Ultrawide monitor is more grainy than most semi-glossy samsung or dell monitors. LG also offers semi-glossy monitors. However semi-glossy still have this grainy texture of its screen.

3. We used two case openers. A plastic spudger (small and thin) and a bicycle repair kit pryer (thick and plastic). We started at the lower corner. First, use the spudger top open the corner and then use the bigger pryer to open the back case from the clip. You will need to apply some force but avoid damaging the screen or the case. Do not use a metal pryer.

4. The whole case is secured with clips. There are no screws. Once the clips are opened it’s quite easy to remove the back case.

5. Remove the plastic bezel around the screen (remove the screws). Then remove the electronic components. These are just a few screws. You can remove the metal housing below by pushing the metal clips upwards. It should not be difficult.

6. Now put some wet towels on the screen and leave it for 4-5 hours. Make sure the paper towels stay wet. Remove air bubbles as much as you can.

7. After 4-5 hours check if can peal the AG coating film. Make sure you do not peal the polarized filter. The polarized filter is dark and transparent and the matte film is light an transparent. You can check if you are pealing the right film by using a white paper and see if the filter is dark or light.

The matte film should be removed easily, as if it isn’t glued on the screen. If it doesn’t go easy, make sure the wet towels properly and wait again.

8. Re-assemble the monitor. Be careful with the screen. Avoid touching it. Put the screen on its bezel when re-assemble the monitor.

9. Once the re-assembly has been completed you should now have a beautiful glossy ultra wide monitor with vibrant colours, better clarity and contrast.

No more grainy whites and rainbow effects.

10. Our next step is to use a 2mm thick plexiglass which is cut out with the same size of the screen and put it over the screen for protection.

Currently after 1 year of usage without any extra protection film the screen is still perfect. We did not use aggressive cleaners nor touch or clean the screen when its warm. Remove dust with cloth and when the monitor is cooled down.
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